Baseboard Heater Tips
There are several things you should know before considering a Baseboard Heater
Baseboard Heaters Tips:
Baseboard heating systems
There are two components to a baseboard system...the thermostat and the element. You'll find the thermostat either on the wall or on each unit. The thermostat tells the element when to activate and for how long. The element produces heat when electricity passes through.
Each element contains a series of metal plates called fins that help send heat to a broader area. Cold air is drawn over the heated fins from the bottom of the baseboard and is directed into the room by a deflector hood. The heated air rises and forces the cold air to the floor, and the process repeats itself.
Baseboards take more time to heat a room than fan-assisted heaters. Plan ahead or just set thermostats to a temperature at the low end of your comfort range and leave it there.
Operating tips:
* Multiple units in a room should be controlled by one thermostat.* Turn down the temperature in rooms that aren't being used.
* Don't block the air flow. Place furniture at least six inches away.
Safety and maintenance tips:
* Fire danger from baseboard heaters is low but don't allow objects to contact them. Keep drapes from touching heaters, and don't place any other combustible materials on or near heaters.* Follow the heating unit's maintenance instructions.
* Before you open the baseboard cover, turn the heater off at the breaker panel and let the heating element cool.
* Vacuum baseboards occasionally to remove dust and other debris. This is particularly helpful at the end of the summer. Vacuuming will reduce the "burned dust" smell you get from baseboard heaters when they're turned on for the first time in months!